To know if you have insomnia, look for key symptoms of difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and not being able to go back to sleep. Insomnia symptoms often include:
- Taking a long time to fall asleep or frequently waking up during the night
- Waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep
- Feeling tired, irritable, or having mood changes during the day due to poor sleep
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or feeling fatigued and unrefreshed after sleep
A diagnosis of insomnia is considered if these symptoms happen despite having adequate opportunity for sleep and a good sleeping environment, and occur at least three times per week for at least three months (chronic insomnia). Daytime impairments from insomnia may include fatigue, impaired focus, irritability, and decreased motivation.
If these symptoms affect daily life persistently, a healthcare professional can provide a formal diagnosis and recommend treatments. Keeping a sleep diary and noting sleep habits may also help identify insomnia.
